“It is a charming building which enhances and adds character to the corner of Broadway it occupies, as well as being a fine example of 1950s’ architecture with good historical associations for the area.

“It would be shameful for Oldham to lose yet another building to demolition — a loss and impoverishment of the environment which would, no doubt, be mourned in the future.”

Councillor John McCann, cabinet member for community services and housing, said: “Broadway Library is not that old, it is a flat-roof building and very high maintenance.

“The site as a whole is valuable and we hope to demolish the old library and create a new community facility with a library service.

“There are buildings in Oldham that are much older than this and I would have thought these would be more worthy of becoming listed buildings.”

Comments

I was against closing this building as a library but have to, for once, agreee with a Councillor! The building is an eye-sore and would be a strange choice to be made 'grade-listed'.

By daveyboy @ 26/05/2009 15:26:28

Mr Lawson - we could done with your help when we were trying to save the library.

Yes this building, could possible class as "listed" - It was Built to Commenorate the Queens Correnation in 1952! And open as a LIBRAY! So listed and library go together with building.

Flat roof a problem - put a "peak" roof on it and problem solved!

By wazzarsa @ 26/05/2009 15:35:07

If we removed everything that is 'very high maintenance',he, along with all the other councilors and high earners in the Civic Centre, would have to go

By Mrs C @ 26/05/2009 17:16:14

I agree with Michael. Councillor McCann fails to understand that his views of 1950's aesthetics is irrelevant. All architecture has its place and it is important that no period is obliterated. Age is irrelevant in architecture the record of progression of ideas and styles vital. OMBC is being the philstine again...shame

By videoscapes @ 26/05/2009 23:19:41

Mick Lawson is a top man and cares about Chadderton.I have told him that he should stand in the next election and get rid of the waste of space Councillors we currently have.
He should form "The Chadderton Party" T.C.P and get rid of the germ politicians who only care about the money and not Chadderton.

By Alex de large @ 27/05/2009 09:47:31

I have only just come across this discussion and feel compelled to add that years ago I used to live in Chadderton. I was a member of this library and considered it to be an excellent asset. I am sorry it has closed and more saddened that it is being considered for demolition. Looking back I always considered it to be quite a nice looking building which enhanced that part of Eaves Lane. I would imagine that with this coalitions cuts on spending the library would be the last thing to get rid of.